Category: In The News
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What Happened in Wayne County — What’s Actually Going On
Recent national headlines have focused on a demand from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for Wayne County’s 2024 election ballots and materials. There’s an important detail that has gotten lost in some of the coverage: The DOJ requested these records from the wrong office. In Michigan, local clerks run elections and maintain election records,…
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Attacks on the Southern Poverty Law Center Reflect Broader Threats to Civil Rights
The Trump administration’s Department of Justice has indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), part of a broader pattern of attacks on civil rights organizations. For more than 50 years, SPLC has documented hate and violence and taken legal action against white supremacist groups. This work has played a critical role in protecting communities across…
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Momentum Continues as Local Documentary Proof of Citizenship Resolutions Advance
Local governments continue taking action in opposition to documentary proof of citizenship requirements and in support of Michigan’s current election system. These proposals would require people to provide specific citizenship documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, in order to register to vote, creating new barriers for eligible voters. In Michigan, voters choose our…
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HB 4765 Passes Michigan House — What Comes Next and Ways to Get Involved
The Michigan House has passed HB 4765, a bill that would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote.The bill now moves to the Michigan Senate and has not yet become law. These kinds of proposals are presented as common-sense enforcement. In practice, they could block over 700,000 Michigan citizens from registering and voting.…
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Momentum Continues as Kalamazoo County and Meridian Township Pass Resolutions
Local governments are passing resolutions opposing documentary proof of citizenship requirements and affirming support for the state’s current election system. On Tuesday, April 7, both the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners and Meridian Township adopted resolutions addressing the proposed ballot initiative that would require documentary proof of citizenship to register and vote. These actions add…
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Update: Legal Challenges Filed Against Executive Order Targeting Mail-In Voting
Since last week’s Executive Order targeting mail-in voting, multiple lawsuits have been filed in response to the order. A coalition of civil rights and voting rights organizations, including Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the NAACP, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and Mi Familia Vota, has filed suit to block the order,…
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Pontiac Resolution Advances as Public Comment Actions Launch Across Michigan
The Pontiac City Council has unanimously passed a resolution opposing a statewide ballot initiative that would require proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote. Public Comment Takeovers are pushing local governments to act on similar resolutions that have stalled. If you are able to help in these areas, your voice is needed. Statewide Action…
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Second Chance Month Recognized in Michigan
April is recognized as Second Chance Month in Michigan following a proclamation from Governor Gretchen Whitmer. This recognition helps elevate the importance of successful reentry and the need to remove barriers facing people returning home from incarceration. It also creates space to continue advancing policy, advocacy, and community-based work across the state. Barriers to housing,…
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ACTION ALERT: Tell Michigan Representatives to Vote NO on the Michigan SAVE Act (HB 4765)
Michigan lawmakers are advancing the Michigan SAVE Act (HB 4765), a proposal that could make it harder for eligible citizens to register and vote. House Bill 4765 has been reported out of the Michigan House Election Integrity Committee and is now headed to the full House for a vote. The bill would require people to…
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Wayne County Passes Resolution Opposing the Michigan SAVE Act
The Wayne County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution opposing documentary proof of citizenship requirements for voting, becoming the latest local government to take action on what advocates are calling the Michigan SAVE Act. The resolution passed by a 12–1 vote and reflects growing concern across Southeast Michigan about proposals that would require voters…